Spring Break; we survived vol. One

Spring Break 2010: We survived - the beginning of the week was met with an Easter Egg Hunt and all manner of nail decor. 

Unfortunate rainy Easter Egg Hunt at our church...literally the heavens opened up right as the kids were going out on the hunt. I was sick at home (perfect start to the break).

Diva nails on Evelyne

Twinkle toes on Gilbert

Nail Decor:  Yes, for Evelyne AND Gilbert. I can't tell him no; some guys wear polish and who am I to judge. Evelyne received a kit for Christmas and we hadn't opened it yet so this was a treat. They reminded me of the infamous "Lee Press on Nail" kits that were popular when I was in middle school. My friend, Dawn and I, loved wearing them. One time we actually wore them in public, thinking we were so elegant and grown up until an old lady said in a funny cute voice "oooohhh, don't you girls look nice, I like your nails." That was it, we realized we weren't so grown up and just felt stupid.

Monticello Antique Mall

Mom, Gilbert, Me and Evelyne having a snack at the cafe

Next we visited theMonticello Antique Mallin NE Portland on 86th and Stark. What a fabulous place. I definitely want to go back sans enfants but we had fun looking around albeit rather hurriedly. We stopped for an amazing snack of coffee and pastries (key lime bars and chocolate brownie) in the cafe.

Then off to IKEA to visit my sister and get some shopping in. They have all of their outdoor stuff in right now so we simply HAD to go. For the first time Gilbert and Evelyne could play in the Smaland....so fantastic, one hour of shopping while the kids played and played..it was fun for all.

...more to come later!

sheer insanity

I should have learned...years ago...and have made the mistake more than once by trusting the Knights when it comes to outdoor recreation. This past weekend we went to Sunriver 30+ people in all. We had a great time visiting and soaking in the hot tub. Saluting with multiple margaritas, and taking turns watching each others' kids. That part was good.
So, you all see that map? That was our Saturday outing, a seemingly mild 4 mile snowshoe loop around Swampy Lakes in Central Oregon. It was called the "porcupine trail" and as we said by the end, the phrase "mountain goat" is a much better name. You see those black lines? That is where the skiiers go, a mild trail to the shelter, and a mild trail back. You see those red "devil" lines? That is the snowshoer's trail; a mild trek to the shelter, and a torturous punishment back. Now, I want to say, the only one actually looking at the map before said adventure was Nathan, who was on back country skis. Nick, Becky, Camryn, Evelyne, Gilbert and I were all the snowshoe groupies.
I also want to put this other bit of information out there....children on backs. I was carrying Gilbert on my back for the last 2 miles after the shelter and Nathan had Evelyne. She was a great little snowshoer for the first almost 2 miles but was pooped after that. Nick was carrying Camryn the entire time.
So, as you can see from the map, we went up a bit of a butte that entirely kicked our butts. I honestly have never been more exhausted and didn't think I had it in me. Thank goodness I've been working out or I'd really have been in trouble. We all made it back safe & sound. The closest thing I can think of as to why on earth it is called "porcupine" trail is that your calves feel penetrated by porcupine quills....and mine still do.

Remembering Valentine's Day...

Lovely Valentine's bouquet...thanks Andy Pandy floral!

 champagne in a can....must me meant just for me...it has MY middle name on it!

Even though Valentine's Day is long over, I had to post these photos of some of my spoils. First, the lovely arrangement was done byAndy Pandy Floral a local company here in Wilsonville.  What a beautiful arrangement it was...so bright and cheery with really interesting touches in the decor of the vase, I just love her detailing. Second, is my new favorite champagnein a can...just screams "dianne" well, actually "sofia" but that is my middle name after all. Perfect juice box so to speak as it comes with it's own straw...fabulous.

Kids playing with kids.....

Aunt Sarah taught Gilbert, Evelyne and Dani to dance to Lady Gaga....

groovin'

what the......

maya and declan over for a play dinner date....

maya running....

Chicago 1935

So, last night we celebrated with my grandfather, John Wickenkamp, who today turns 91. We were asking about memorable life moments etc. He had a varied childhood, grew up on a farm in Wyoming, no electricity, no running water etc. He shepherded sheep for 1 year when he was 16. His parents divorced and he moved with his dad to Chicago. Here's where this memory begins. He went with a Latino friend to the movie theater one evening and all of a sudden the movie stopped, lights came on, doors opened. The ushers told everyone to please leave the theater. They had no idea what was going on. The next morning the read about the murder of John Dillinger. I'd just watched Public Enemies last weekend; can't believe my grandfather was there.

Coach Happyness

Here are most of the coaches awarded "Coach of the Year" by the league. 

Evelyne sporting her Willamette United Soccer Club shirt.

Congrats coach Nathan!

We attended theWillamette United Soccer Club's awards ceremony a couple of weeks ago.  It was short, sweet, and they basically used it as a forum to let us all know what was going on in the League for the next year. I learned that it is the 3rd largest in the state of Oregon! Had no idea.

Nathan earned Kindergarten Girls Coach of the Year. When he went up to accept his award someone chuckled "how do you coach kindergarteners?" He laughed back "you just keep them running!"

So, who looks like mom???

We're all about the same age in these photos. Who looks alike?

My songbirds

So fun, had to document this and since blogging is this busy mom's documentation method of choice here I go.
Every night after bath, after Evelyne and Gilbert are tucked snuggly into their beds we hear singing.  First, we hear Evelyne singing to her animals, or "friends" as she calls them and then Gilbert. I think Gilbert just started doing it because Evelyne does.  Both of their doors are open and they are right across the hall from each other.  They sing and sing.  Evelyne usually sings songs she's learned in school or an old favorite like "somewhere out there" Gilbert isn't so organized.  He usually sings whatever the last things he remembers is like..."bath, prayers, thank you's" ; it's a stream of consciousness type of verse. Eventually it stops and we' know they're most likely asleep. It's very sweet and I hope it lasts, but I realize when those little voices stop singing before bed they've probably grown up.

Every time I see this clip, I think of Gilbert and Evelyne.

Meet Lomeni Daniel

So for a resolution in 2010 we have a new friend in our lives....from Tanzania, Lomeni Daniel Ndikoye. I was inspired and this opportunity just came up. Lomeni has a mother who is my age and is a subsistence farmer. He also has a brother and sister. He is 11 years old and love soccer and math and english. His father has died and his mother struggles to provide for her children. My heart just broke. I thought what are we waiting for we've heard these stories so many times.
I have so much, he struggles to survive. I learned that boys, especially older boys like Lomeni, are at the highest risk. I don't know why, maybe it was divine intervention but I felt compelled not just to listen, cry, and hope for something better for him and his family but do actually DO something to try to help him, his family, and the community. I know it sounds corny, but I finally realized small things matter most. We don't have millions, don't have our kids college paid for, don't even have our retirement totally figured out but humanity calls. Yes there are those in need here, there everywhere, always. I come from a family that came from humble beginnings; they were sponsored to come to the US through some families more fortunate, someone whose heart was touched. I'm just returning the favor.
If any of you want more information, would like to write a letter to Lomeni or give support please let me know. After all, we are all here to help each other through this crazy thing called life. Here's to a fabulous 2010!

Whitefish Wonderful

Loved our time with the most gracious hosts ever; Doug, Kelly, Will, Jack and Annemarie Peppmeier.

Loved taking Amtrak Empire Builder (overnight)with the kids.

Loved the time spent chatting and laughing. Loved daily cocktail hours and great food. Loved that the kids had fun.

Loved the snow.

Loved date nite. Loved the Great Northern hospitality and their fabulous friends. Loved the fact that we met fellow Portlanders on New Year's Eve.

Loved laughing at penny poker and 3 gin limits and the happy Lion Bank that coughed up the big wad of dough.

Loved the perfectly rounded snowman.

Loved the sleigh ride with Dolly and Molly, and the home made cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa afterwards.

Loved just visiting.

Miss my friends.

Seeing Santa

We finally got the chance to visit Santa today. After the YMCA twice cancelled the "Breakfast with Santa" we were so looking forward to we decided just to go toBridgeport Village first thing this morning. We stood in line for about 15minutes. Nathan stayed outside and the kids and I waited in the coffee shop next door.

They had a lot of fun and Santa was very kind to Evelyne who of course brought a list with her. On it was written: kickstand, tie shoes, webkinz, coal (for eyes for the snowman), a snowman hat, and an Indian Book (meaning native american which has fascinated her since our visit to Kah-nee-tah last summer.

Afterwards we grabbed a few gifts and had lunch at McCormick and Schmicks; pasta for the kids and French Onion soup for mom and dad plus....a bloody mary for mom...what a treat!

1 angel + 1 rock star = christmas sanity

In the throes of the days before christmas when all through the house all the creatures are stirring! Trying to finish gifts, get them wrapped, get those last minute gifts, and re evaluate your quickly diminishing budget. It's nice to have a break; a positive cute little break. Kids dressing up, singing, playing their part totally oblivious to the daily mayhem of the holidays.

Gilbert and Evelyne gave us that break last weekend at their Christmas Programs at our church . It was great to hear the songs and sing along, made me think of Christmas when I was a kid.

My favorite thing was singing songs, listening to my parents records...yes records...and baking with my mom. Our favorite thing to make as kids were christmas ornament cookies; you know the ones you cut out with cookie cutters and decorate with frosting and sprinkles.  Ours always turned out totally ugly with masses of frosting for hair and giant globules for eyes...they were scary. Oh but were they tasty. Not too sweet, buttery creamy yumminess.
So as I enter the final countdown, as my mother did before me, I'll try to remember my everyday madness is part of my children's memories; the baking, the music, the movies, the general mood and feel of the holidays. Thanks Gilbert, my little angel, and Evelyne, my little rock star, for giving mama a reminder of what Christmas is really about.